Daily Reading: (James 3:18, Proverbs 12:20, Philippians 4:6-7):
“And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Peace is a beautiful gift that Jesus has given to all believers. There are also rewards that come with peace as well. This just magnifies the truth that not only does all fruit we bear in our lives comes from abiding in Jesus (John 15) but also that we will be rewarded for the fruits that Jesus helps us to bear (Romans 2:6-7, Revelation 22:12).
Reward #1 Peacemakers reap a harvest of righteousness (Peacemakers will show the way to receive Jesus’ peace). Christ the Righteous One, gave us His righteousness and through His life in us, will sow or spread peace out of our lives. His peace manifested through us will lead others to the way of Messiah’s peace (which is salvation).
Proverbs 12 is incredible because it paints the picture of the life of someone who is in Christ. Here is what is said about the righteous children of God leading to verse 12:
· loves discipline, loves knowledge (verse 1)
· favor from the Lord (verse 2)
· cannot be uprooted (verse 3)
· just plans (verse 5)
· their speech rescues (verse 6)
· their house stands firm (verse 7)
· praised according to their prudence (verse 8)
· care for the needs of their animals (verse 10)
· their employees are blessed (verse 11)
Reward #3 Paul says in Philippians 4:7 that the peace of God transcends all understanding. Our thoughts can be surpassed with the mind of Christ that we have (1 Corinthians 2:16). What we must desire to have in a peace robbing moment is the very thoughts of God about us and our situation.
So the reward of peace (with God) is the capacity to receive spiritual truth from God that surpasses our limited finite wisdom in all situations that will guard our hearts (affections and passions) and minds (understanding, judgment, conscience) of the favor position we have in Christ Jesus. Peacemakers have the reward of joy, as the life of Christ in us spreads peace. This leads others to the way of Messiah’s peace (which is salvation).
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